Wednesday 5 February 2014

What's-on-my-bookshelf Wednesday



Ah! Bliss!  

Today I finished at school for the time being, and though I actually had so much fun that I will be missing it, I am enormously looking forward to my days of freedom before my next stint!

There will, most likely, be a few more books notched up as the days pass.  I haven't done too badly recently, as with Mr U-t-B away, I can read late into the night or early in the morning if I so choose. 

So I managed to get through 'The Misbegotten'...

Photo courtesy of Hachette.com

This was not at all the story I thought it would be from the atmospheric cover, and I was a bit disappointed with it. (Actually, quite a lot.  Sorry!) Serves me right for being charmed by the cover, my constant failing.

Luckily I then went on to 'The Book Thief' which I absolutely loved!




Definitely one of those books I didn't want to end, and now I am looking forward to the film which I believe is released at the end of the month.  I know some people think there are better books of this genre but I haven't yet read the ones that are mentioned in reviews as superior (on the list now though!) and I could not put this down.One very late night and one very long lie-in were needed once I'd fallen for these characters, but then I was bereft that it was over...




Next came another disappointment in the form of 'The Witch's Daughter' - just not my kind of tale, probably pretty good if you like that kind of thing.  And so horribly long...

Then came 'When God Was a Rabbit' which I really liked even if there were all sorts of things left unfinished at the end (I don't think intentionally).  

And now I'm really enjoying 'The Secret Life of Bees' which I have seen recommended on blogs written by people whose opinions I value!  Definitely a better reason for a choice that a front cover!  Maybe I'm learning! 

What book do you recommend I add to my increasingly long list of must reads?




6 comments:

  1. Hi Alix, I've got The Secret Life of Bees in my book pile, recommended by Penny. Looking forward to reading it at some point. What book would I recommend? Mmm, not sure. I don't really read all the latest ones that come out, so you've probably read many of the one's I might recommend. At the moment I'm reading a book called Women, Work and the Art of Savoir Faire by the author of French Women Don't Get Fat. I enjoy her style of writing. Interesting book. Not fiction though, more self help, not that I'm suggesting you need it in any way. Depends if you like this genre.

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    1. I had thought of getting French Women Don't Get Fat as an insight into French culture, so might have a look at Women, Work and Savoie-Faire instead!
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  2. The help is a very good one also :)

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    1. Oh yes - I imagine it would be, as it was a great film. And now that time has passed since I watched it, I could read it without too much comparison making! I have added it to my Amazon wish list!
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  3. I enjoyed When God was a Rabbit but ultimately thought it was really rather strange. I ended up feeling a bit nonplussed! The Book Thief, well, what a book! As it was originally marketed as a children's book I gave it to Hope to read when she was probably a bit too young, oops! I subsequently read it and was very moved. I'd like to read it again before seeing the film (although I'm not sure I'll be up to watching the film, blubbing in public can be so embarrassing!). The Secret Life of Bees is one of my favourite books, enjoy!

    I'm reading JK Rowling's The Casual Vacancy (I think it;s the book that was published under a nom de plume (sp?) but was then outed by a jabbermouth). I'm not a Harry Potter fan (kept on yawning when trying to read it to the kids, which meant that they taught themselves to read all the quicker so they could read it to themselves, ha!), but I am enjoying this. Great characterisations and very well written.

    I also agree with the recommendations for The Help.

    Enjoy your down time before your next teaching stint.

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    1. I think what i liked in 'When God...' was the b &b by the sea, with all its land and renovating potential. But there certainly were some nonplussing bits! I share your thoughts re watching the film in public, but I imagine at least 50% of any audience will be in a similar state. Though it's embarrassing to sob and howl aloud which I can imagine doing! Will look out for JK - I read and enjoyed all the Potters, so would probably suit me!
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